Rice Statement on Nassau County Bill Allowing Police to Sue Protestors

GARDEN CITY, NY - U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) released the following statement:

'On Monday, the Nassau County Legislature passed a bill that enumerates police officers and first responders as a protected class under the Nassau County Human Rights Law. After reviewing the legislative text and listening to public comment, I must state my strong opposition to this bill as currently drafted.

'I support policies to protect our police officers and other first responders. But it is wrong to codify into law a chosen profession as an immutable human trait in the same manner we classify race, nationality, gender, disability, and sexual orientation.

'This bill violates the spirit of the County's Human Rights Law. And I have serious questions about its legality. I am encouraged that the County Executive is seeking clarity about the legality of the proposed bill from New York State Attorney General Tish James. I trust the Attorney General will review this fairly and thoroughly and I look forward to her findings.'